BMX racing truly is a sport for all ages
Close to 200 racers age 4-50 and their families from Illinois and four surrounding states descended on the Waukegan BMX track last weekend for the Midwest Regional competition.
The three-day event was condensed into two due to Friday's rains, but thanks to the Waukegan Park District crew, the dirt track was in near-perfect shape for the Saturday races. The event attracted riders from Iowa, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin, as well as Illinois because of its quadruple-points possibilities.
"You get points for regional rankings," explained track president Steve Stanziano, 36, of Zion. That made the Waukegan motos (the BMX term for individual races) significant for racers who want to compete in the regional championships in downstate Springfield in October.
It's almost certain that Wesley Gratz, 13, of Lake Villa and his parents and siblings will be at Abe Lincoln's old stomping grounds in the fall.
Wesley, who finished first in his age group in the Novice Division, has been racing four years, and in addition to the competition, enjoys the travel that comes with being a BMX aficionado.
"We get to travel all over the Midwest," he said of his family, which consists of parents Jim and Kathy, 11-year-old brother Wyatt, and twin sisters Lydia and Emma, 9.
"BMX gives you something to do with your family," he said, adding that the Gratz's come out to compete "every single Sunday" during the racing season, which is generally from April through October.
"Louisville was my favorite place to go," he said, explaining that the "fast track" there made for some good motos.
On Saturday, Wyatt grabbed a first place, while Emma finished second and Lydia third.
The Waukegan track has spawned about 10 riders who have earned the distinction of a prestigious No. 1 number plate, signifying their ranking among all Illinois riders for their age group and division.
Waukegan BMX board member Lisa Rickert of Winthrop Harbor has one in her family -- 7-year-old Adam, who won his Saturday moto. Evan, 8, another son, finished third.
The biggest attraction for us is that it is a family sport, said Lisa, whose husband Jon was working the starting gate atop the 12-foot hill as she spoke.
"He's an honorary board member," she said. "That means he does all the work."
The Rickert family travels regularly to five different tracks in Illinois during the racing season in addition to their hands-on involvement at the Waukegan facility.
Traveling around and making friends in the extended BMX family is one of the main things Stephanie Morin, 8, of Beach Park, likes about the sport.
Stephanie, who also earned a No. 1 plate last season, won her moto on Saturday. She won the Most Improved Rider Award last season, and is in her second year of racing. She got her start at the urging of her parents, Lindsay and Scott Melrose. Scott, 35, was a BMX competitor until 1990, when he broke his foot at age 16. But the lure of BMX competition has pulled this dormant racer back into the saddle, and he'll soon be joining his daughter on the dirt track.
"I just bought a new bike and I should be racing soon," he said. "It gives me the opportunity to work with her and keep in shape."
Stephanie's brother, Cameron, 4, played in the grass as his family members spoke.
"He'll be racing next year," Lindsay assured. BMX RACING
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